Author Topic: Waterman occupation  (Read 1425 times)

Offline ainslie

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Waterman occupation
« on: Tuesday 04 December 18 15:46 GMT (UK) »
In the 1861 census of Hale, then in Lancashire adjoining Speke, a couple of men are given the occupation 'Waterman'.  As the Mersey ran along the edge of the district, would these have been employed on the river? 
There were also entries for a 'Master of Flat' and 'Captain of Flat': Mersey Flats were of shallow draft and traded up and down the river.
A

Online mazi

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Re: Waterman occupation
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday 04 December 18 16:38 GMT (UK) »
I think it very likely, I associate watermen with river navigation, rather than canals or seagoing craft.

Mike

Online BumbleB

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Re: Waterman occupation
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday 04 December 18 16:56 GMT (UK) »
A Dictionary of Old Trades, Titles and Occupations -

Water Boatman - Operator of a small river boat used for carrying cargo. 

Flatman - same as Flatter(man) - Operator of a flat bottom boat used for cargo.

I have ancestors who were "Boatmen" and based in Selby Mirfield, Yorkshire.  (My father always used to say that his family "used to live at the castle" to which my other retorted "you mean when they lived on their barge".  When I'd done the research, my mother was absolutely right  ;D ;D - shame I only found out after both had died.)
Transcriptions and NBI are merely finding aids.  They are NOT a substitute for original record entries.
Remember - "They'll be found when they want to be found" !!!
If you don't ask the question, you won't get an answer.
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Offline ainslie

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Re: Waterman occupation
« Reply #3 on: Tuesday 04 December 18 17:30 GMT (UK) »
Thank you both for adding weight to my thoughts.
A


Offline jane harrison

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Re: Waterman occupation
« Reply #4 on: Thursday 06 December 18 07:53 GMT (UK) »
Thank you both for adding weight to my thoughts.
A
As a general rule the below postings  are correct but it is best to double check as i have family members who i know 100% where Canal Boatmen but in baptism records ect the vicar's often lump the river & canal Boatmen all the same & records them all as Watermen